Solstice Scents Sea of Gray (Angela St. John) 2017- New Perfume Review + The French Lieutenant’s Woman Draw

French Lieutenant's Woman Movie Still -Meryl Streep

“Its clothes were black…the figure stood motionless, staring, staring out to sea.” (The French Lieutenant's Woman) –John Fowles, 1969

Like the moody enigmatic wind-tossed seas in “The French Lieutenants Woman”, Perfumer Angela St. John’s newest creation for Solstice Scents, "Sea of Gray” is a stormy and ever-changing perfume that ebbs and flows throughout the wearing, and leaves me shaking, gasping, and yearning for more.

Apped by M.C from The French Lieutanant's Woman film location The Cobb

The very first offering in a new Solstice Scents Amber series called Light And Shadows that are olfactive renditions of the various qualities of light, Sea Of Gray is that certain diffused light in a sky full of clouds and rain; dramatic, roiling, constantly in motion, and a perfect mirror of the broad spectrum of human emotion. This is cold and dramatic Amber, primal, salt-drenched and extraordinarily beautiful. It is both haunting and immersive, one minute raging fury and the next a soft and quiet, lulling introspection. But just when you think you’re safe Sea Of Gray smacks you in the face with a vivid blast of Arctic saltwater and ozone, and off you go riding the tempestuous waves once again.

The Cobb at Lyme-Regis

I have lived on or near the ocean my whole life (well except for three years in the Midwest, and even then I was a block from a lake). My mother called me her water-baby when I began swimming at age 2 and I have lived my life exploring coastlines, beaches, and caves. I lived on a sailboat for three years on the San Francisco Bay, and to this day still find solace and peace that turbulent or placid open waters provide in times of pending change or upheaval.

Sea Of Gray opens with a photorealistic smell of low tide and saltwater, kelp-covered sand and rocks, tide pools teeming with life. The ambergris accord is a sharp and meaty saline scent that borders on post-coital.

The Cobb at Lyme Regis

The slight hint of vanilla brings to mind the soft freshwater rain that mingles with the aquatic and metallic sting of the open ocean. This is the scent of meditation and storm-watching, sitting alone on blanketed sand and wrapped in wool sweaters watching the sea as it rages. The knowledge that whatever conundrums you may want to unravel pales in contrast to the vast and endless sea.  It is calming to face a tumultuous ocean like that and remember that there is something so much bigger that you cannot control. It allows and provides scale and contrast to the now smallness of your thoughts and concerns.

Notes: Vanilla, rain, saltwater, seaweed, ambergris accord (vegan), white amber, roasted seashells, frangipani.

Robert Herrmann, Editor

-Art Direction, Michelyn Camen, Editor-in-Chief –all photos are from the 1981 movie The French Lieutenant’s Woman starring Meryl Streep and Jeremy Irons 1981, and stills from the film location at The Cobb in Lyme Regis, U.K.

Angela St. John of Solstice Scents

Editor’s Note: The official launch of Solstice Scents’ Light And Shadows is 7 PM EDT 8/18/2017. There has been such frenzy about Sea of Gray in particular that we encourage you to buy it, before it is sold out.  Did you read about Angela in our Art of Artisan Perfume article? She is one of six women pioneers featured. You don’t want to miss her eloquence and honesty about her brand here.

Thanks to the generosity of Angela St John we have a draw as follows for a registered reader . So be sure to register if you have not done so.

Photo: Angela St John

USA ONLY:  60 ml Sea of Gray

 or

Photo: Angela St John

Worldwide (out of the CON USA)  5ml of Sea of Gray

To be eligible please let us know what appeals to you about Roberts review of Sea of Gray, if you love amber or the sea,  your favorite Solstice Scents fragrance, and where you live. Draw closes on 8/22/2017

We announce the winners only on our site and on our Facebook page, so like Cafleurebon and use our RSS feed…or your dream prize will be just spilled perfume.

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48 comments

  • I really really love how Robert describes Sea of Gray as if it is like he has bottle the ocean and I really love it. I’d love a chance to get my hands on Sea of Gray! Sounds right up my alley.

  • Roger Engelhardt says:

    The ambergris accord is a sharp and meaty saline scent that borders on post-coital. Great line!! I do love ambers as I own Ambre Sultan, Geisha Noire and Ambre Vie! I especially liked the reference to The French Lieutenant’s Woman! Love that movie!!
    I am in the USA.

  • I love the sea and even though I have always lived near the majestic Atlantic, it is the South Pacific that I really love. Robert’s description of Sea of Gray is a good description of the Atlantic which is gray and somewhat haunting to me. I would love to try Sea of Grey. I live in the US.
    I have never tried any Solstice Scents fragrances.

  • I love both amber and sea scents and I’m always on the lookout for aquatics that arent typical or mainstream. This sounds like a very interesting and unique take on sea scents

  • BethMongold says:

    Oh wow this sounds amazing. I grew up in Massachusetts by the ocean, and I miss it very much–now in landlocked Colorado. I loved being reminded of the French Lieutenants Woman, a book I read in high school…and I had a HUGE crush on my English teacher…fond memories. I also LOVE ambergris. Thank you for the chance to try this, I have not yet tried any Solstice Scents fragrances. I live is the US.

  • Wowsa!, best set of marine sent notes I think I’ve ever seen. I love the sea and all it’s smells. I haven’t experienced any Solstice Scent creations. US

  • I adore salty/briny perfumes and Sea of Gray sounds wonderful. Many thanks to Robert and his vivid review. I haven’t yet had the pleasure to try any Solstice Scents but really enjoyed the interview the other day. I’m in Canada.

  • The amazing imagery about the scent is mesmerizing. I love ambergris. Hope to win the 5ml or full bottle of Sea of Grey. I live in AZ, USA

  • Oceanic scents usually have that common ‘aquatic’ note but “Vanilla, rain, saltwater, seaweed, ambergris accord (vegan), white amber, roasted seashells, frangipani” sounds like something really interesting and your description really peaks my interest. The description makes it sound like an ambery salty wonder. I wish I could have it for when I view the totality! I so love amber that is on the less sweet side and love the ocean too, but have not had the chance to smell any scents from this house. I live in the US just a few miles from totality, and I am going to be there to see this once in a lifetime event.

  • My favorite part of the review was when Robert described how the vanilla plays with the rest of the salty, aquatic scents. I’m entranced by the idea of the salt and the ambergris intermingling with the amber and vanilla. This fragrance description reminds me of the cleanest beaches at sunrise.

  • My favorite part of Robert’s review is the description of how the vanilla plays with the salty, aquatic fragrance of Sea of Gray. I’ve always been in love with the ocean, and there is something so reminiscent of the ocean at sunrise in the description for this fragrance. This review helped to actualize the fragrance itself, and I can’t wait to try it.

  • I love robert’s imagery of watching a storm rage. I didn’t grow up or ever live near the ocean for any significant period of time, but I was born into a family of thunderstorm watchers and they continue to be my favorite weather. A confusing mix of invigorating and calming. I’m a huge fan of Amber as well, so this perfume appeals to me even more. My favorite SS perfume is Manor, without a doubt. It’s probably my all time favorite scent. Living in Pennsylvania!

  • I’m new to perfume oils. My current favorite solstice scents creation is Conjure Dark, for the soft vanilla. Until this review I completely missed the fact sea of gray contains vanilla notes! My favorite part of this review is the poetic description of the dark cloaked figure, the description of the waddling of vanilla in and out of the tide. I find myself wondering if it will be as close to the Oregon coast as I remember it smelling, when I visited tide pools, teeming with life as you say. ! I planned on at least getting a sample of this anyway, so I’m very excited to try it out.

  • I recognized Angela from the recent article. I love when a fragrance ebbs and flows to give me variety as I wear it. The notes sound great, although I don’t know what a roasted seashell smells like. This fragrance is making me think of the coastal pacific northwest, not the sandy beaches of southern California where I grew up. I hope storm watching in sweaters and blankets is a long ways off. Thanks for the draw, I live in the US.

  • What a wonderful review, so descriptive, I could visualize every detail. I love the sea , being from California I have spent much of my lifetime soaking up the coastal ambiance. It sounds like it has been captured perfectly in this fragrance. I also adore amber and Solstice Scents perfumes, so it sounds like a win all the way around!

  • VerbenaLuvvr says:

    I have enjoyed in sea notes in fragrances such as I’m Francesca Bianchi’s “Sex and the Sea”. The addition of vanilla and especially frangipani to this scent seems an interesting twist. My favorite Solstice Scents oil is Snowman Mallow. I live in the US.

  • Honestly, I just ordered a full bottle tonight based on Angela’s description on Instagram, but I really like the comparison to the film in this review! I’m even more intrigued and excited for my order.

  • Old Herbaceous says:

    I love ocean scents and I love the book and the movie “The French Lieutenant’s Woman”, so this fragrance sounds wonderful to me!

  • I really love the inagery you painted of Sea of Grey as a meditative scent that is like watching the storming sea alone on the sand. I also love amber scents and the sea so I think this scent would reallg appeal to me. My favorite Solstice Scents perfume is Witches Cottage. I live in Texas 🙂

  • Such an evocative review- Solstice Scents makes the BEST atmospheric scents that conjure up moments and memories for the wearer. I’ve been a big fan of Angela’s for years, and the stormy sea/ vanilla concept really appeals to me- Tenebrous Mist is one of my faves, so I have no doubt I’d enjoy Sea of Grey as well. And I’ve always wanted to smell Choya Nakh, which I’m guessing the roasted seashell note comes from. I live in Ohio 🙂

  • As soon as I read the first few lines, I knew without looking, that Robert had written this review. His descriptions are so evocative and make me want to try the fragrance he is describing. I love the sea and amber is perhaps one of my favorite notes.I read The French Lieutenant’s Woman many years ago and enjoyed it. Soltice Scents is a house that I really love. Thanks so much for the draw. I live in the USA

  • HausFrauHouse says:

    Angela is an olfactory genius in every aspect, but I am so pumped on this one. White Amber and salt, and sea spray, and shells and vanilla?! Good lord, HEAVEN. I can’t wait for this whole series. Solstice Scents is one of my favorite houses, and produces my top favorite perfume of all time- White Feather. My favorite oil is Old Havana (which just came out in EDP, and is coming to live at my house post haste!!!). Thank you for this opportunity, I would love to have this beauty in my collection. I live in the US.

  • hausfrauhouse says:

    Angela is an olfactory genius in every aspect, but I am so pumped on this one. White Amber and salt, and sea spray, and shells and vanilla?! Good lord, HEAVEN. I can’t wait for this whole series. The light and dark, contrast and gradiants of similar ideas… such a beautiful concept. Solstice Scents is one of my favorite houses, and produces my top favorite perfume of all time- White Feather. My favorite oil is Old Havana (which just came out in EDP, and is coming to live at my house post haste!!!). Thank you for this opportunity, I would love to have this beauty in my collection. I live in the US.

  • I ordered a sample of this and can’t wait to test it out. I love the idea of combining amber with the sea spray. Some of my all-time favorite scents are from this house. Thanks for the draw! US resident.

  • So happy to read such wonderful words about my review! Thank you all so much. I urge you to check out Angela’s work if you haven’t done so previously, there are some real stunner’s in her offerings. Again thanks, Robert H

  • GrandmaGaga says:

    Ambergris is my favorite note in perfume and this sounds gorgeous. I’m curious to try a vegan ambergris. Although I live far from the ocean in Arizona, I am drawn to visit as often as I can and this review reminds my why! I love Solstice Scents but have yet to own a bottle of my own. I am in the US.

  • Tom Schroeder says:

    I truly enjoyed Robert drawing a parallel to The French Lieutenant’s Woman. That’s quite different initially than the feeling of walking into a beachside ice cream parlor after swimming in the ocean. I love amber accords, and the great thing is how much they can vary. Marine scents are tricky to get right, as some feel like a cheap “fresh” perfume note, whereas others truly take one to the ocean. Having lived near the Pacific Ocean in La Jolla, I remember those cloudy windy days where the waves would crash wildly on the ricks, creating a salty mist atmospheric smell that left a light salt wash over everything outside. But to be there and witness the beauty was wonderful. I’m imagining a fragrance that would remind me of smells when walking into The French Gourmet on Turquoise Street on one of those windy days at Nautilus beach. I am just learning of Solstice Scents through Cafleurebon, and look forward to the first experience. (San Jose, California, USA)

  • okaysellers says:

    oh, this sounds so beautiful. the images you chose for your review are my favorite part. they're so evocative and are exactly the kinds of images i have in my head when i think of my perfect, ideal aquatic perfume. this part is also so true: "It is calming to face a tumultuous ocean like that and remember that there is something so much bigger that you cannot control." i've always felt drawn to the ocean, even though i grew up landlocked in the desert. and amber is one of my favorite perfume components, so this is perfect. my other favorites from solstice scents include violet mallow and nightgown. both a little sweet to be every day perfumes, but they are so, so comforting for bed time. i'm in the austin, tx area.

  • I just put in yet another order to SS, and I am so incredibly excited to try my sample of Sea of Gray! Robert’s exquisite writing captured my imagination, which already loves stormy seas and melancholic visuals. My favorite scent notes are amber, vanilla, and all things aquatic. Having them all together will be a treat! This may well be a favorite of mine, but other SS favorites are Manor, Old Havana, and Cherry Vanilla Amberosia. Living in Minnesota all my life, Angela’s description of her scent brings me back to the cherished memory of the first time I saw the ocean. It was cloudy, rainy, and ended in ice cream…

  • oh wow…”the knowledge that whatever conundrums you may want to unravel pales in contrast to the vast and endless sea. It is calming to face a tumultuous ocean like that and remember that there is something so much bigger that you cannot control. It allows and provides scale and contrast to the now smallness of your thoughts and concerns.”
    This is majestic, superlative, profound writing Robert!
    This scent sounds amazing! I have so many Solstice scents I love, but the one I used all of my vial was Estate Carnation – it has the best dry down ever! I live in Washington DC!

  • This sounds beautiful. I love ambergris and fragipani. I don’t own any Solstice Scents but I browsed through their collection and I’m intrigued by CLIFFSIDE BONFIRE EAU DE PARFUM. It, too, contains ambergris. I’d love to be able to try out this new fragrance.

    I live in the U.S. (New York)

  • Anna Egeria says:

    I would love a fragrance for meditation and storm watching. I love the ocean but live on a lake. I haven’t tried any of the Solstice Scents yet. I’m in the US and thank you for this drawing.

  • I am so looking forward to this fragrance, thanks to Robert’s review.. This is what struck me because often times this is ME,” haunting and immersive, one minute raging fury and the next a soft and quiet, lulling introspection.”
    Great review and one way or another I will own this beauty. I am in the US

  • The pictures have really given the review an life.
    Beautifully written. The scent also sounds lovely. I love to watch storms.
    They are majestic in their own right.

    In USA,WA.

  • doveskylark says:

    I love watching storms as they rage. I feel a sense of peace when I watch storms, as if my internal storms are so meaningless compared to what’s happening in nature. I also love The French Lieutenant’s Woman. I was a kid when the movie came out and I wanted to see it so bad, but it was rated R, so my parents wouldn’t let me. But they let me read the book.
    I love Library from Solstice Scents.
    I live in the USA.

  • This is the second time I’ve seen The French Lieutenant’s Woman referenced on ÇaFleureBon! I think I’ll give the film a watch this weekend 🙂 Grey stormy weather is my favorite and I can’t wait to try Sea of Gray, especially knowing how Angela creates ultra realistic scents where you can close your eyes and immediately imagine the scenery. I love Tenebrous Mist from Solstice Scents but the spice, smoke, and rum notes give it a warm-hazy feel. Sea of Grey sounds polar opposite with cold arctic saltwater and salty ambergris, and yet still so appealing. I’m looking forward to the Light And Shadows series as well! Snowshoe Pass is my favorite from Solstice Scents. In the US!

  • Hikmat Sher Afridi says:

    Interesting review! Angela’s work is amazing and wonderful offerings. The last paragraph of Robert Herrmann’s review is fascinating, specially the phrase “This is the scent of meditation and storm-watching, sitting alone on blanketed sand and wrapped in wool sweaters watching the sea as it rages.” Ambergis as well as Amber are my favorite perfume notes and so much appealing to me. Never tried any of the Solstice Scent yet.
    Thanks to the generosity of Angela St John and CafleureBon for the opportunity. Pakistan

  • ntabassum92 says:

    Mmm, I love cold sea weather, walking along the beach or cliffs wearing warm jackets and breathing the fresh night air. This fragrance sounds a little human and dirty, which is perfect. I love amber AND the sea. I don’t have a favorite Solstice Scents fragrance yet, and I live in the US.

  • I think I tick all the boxes! I love the sea, although the part of the Atlantic Ocean that is the Bay of Cadiz is pretty tame. I can hear the waves outside my window now, and I swim every day when the weather is good. I also love amber scents very much. The review made me think not only of The French Lieutenant’s woman, but also of a beautiful but depressing novel by John Banville, called The Sea. I’ve been looking for a sea smelling perfume since I broke my bottle of Côte d’Amour, a couple of years ago. Finally, my favourite Solstices are Estate Carnation and Manor, but I’m sure I’d love Sea of Grey. Oh, and I live in Spain. Thanks for the opportunity!

  • What a great write-up. I love sweet ambers, but this one sounds very intriguing and different – darker than any other amber I’ve heard of. And of course love the sea and all of its many hidden meanings. I also love the imagery used in the review! Angela St John is such a great person! Whenever you order from her you can feel her warmth and generosity when you receive your package. She writes handwritten notes with your order and all of her correspondence by email is gracious and kind. My favorite Solstice Scents perfumes are ‘Estate Vanilla’ and ‘Black Forest.’ Thanks for the great profile and article. I live in the USA.

  • Sea Of Gray opens with a photorealistic smell of low tide and saltwater, kelp-covered sand and rocks, tide pools teeming with life. The ambergris accord is a sharp and meaty saline scent that borders on post-coital. WOW oh WOW. I have read many reviews on Solstice Scents but this must be the best ever. The photos were stunning and the words were poetic. I will buy a sample one way or another. I saw many solstice scents I would like but sirrocco would be one I think I would enjoy as well. i live in USA

  • Absolutely beautiful, Robert. I love the comparison of movie/perfume…so evocative. And the photos are fab. This sounds like a different amber than I’m used to, colder and grayer. My usual ambers are more firey. A favorite is the one by Van Cleef and Arpels. Your review has made me want to go place a Solstice Scents order, even though my credit card usage is supposed to be on haitus! USA

  • Tale of The Rose says:

    Great review. Runestone, Monarch and Guardian are some of my favorites from this house. I love amber so can’t wait to try Sea Of Gray. USA

  • This review makes me want to pack up and go to a chilly beach. I enjoy perfumes that evoke a sense of place, and I enjoy amber. My favorite Solstice Scents so far are Scrying Smoke (frankincense heaven,) After the Rain (lilacs and petrichor-patchouli) and Cameo (cozy rosy buttercream.) I’d love to win the 60mL of Sea of Gray and in the meantime I am picking up a sample pack with the latest release. I’m in the US, thanks for the draw.

  • Amber and aquatic notes is such an interesting combination. I’m really intrigued by it and would love to try Sea of Gray. I don’t have much experience with Solstice Scents but would like to change that. I like fragrances that try to mimic ‘after rain’ smell. Id love to win the 60 ml of Sea of Gray. I’m in the USA. Thanks for all the wonderfulness.